Upgrade Your Home With Sustainable and Cruelty-Free Flooring Options

3 minutes to read

If you’re looking for a safe, healthy, and cruelty-free way to spruce up your home, upgrading your flooring and other elements of your living space is a fantastic place to start. Not only will it help to freshen up your home’s aesthetic, but it will also boost your property’s value in the long run. 

Below, Plantish Future provides you with explainers, along with safe and sustainable suggestions for reviving and refreshing your home!

DIY or Pro?

If you're thinking about a flooring upgrade, you might be tempted to DIY some or all of the work. While tearing out old flooring is relatively straightforward, certain installations demand specialized tools and skills. It's wise to weigh your abilities and the project's complexity before diving in. Consider chatting with home repair professionals to ensure you don't get in over your head.

Vacuuming Regularly

Before you even consider changing your flooring, make sure you’re properly caring for your current living space. Regular vacuuming is key to keeping your home free of dust and dirt buildup, which can cause allergies and other health issues. Be sure to use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to help trap even the smallest particles. This will coincidentally make it easier to install new flooring since there won’t be any dirt and debris to remove!

Different Types of Wood Flooring

Some solid hardwood flooring is great for upgrading your home sustainably and without toxins. Bamboo flooring is an eco-friendly choice if you love the look of hardwood floors but don’t want the environmental impact. Avoid using engineered hardwood and laminate since they are made with chemicals and use large amounts of factory energy. If you want to take your sustainability to the next level, consider using reclaimed wood, which can give your home a unique rustic aesthetic while reducing your carbon footprint.

Where to Use Wood Flooring

Wood floors are an excellent choice for living rooms, dining rooms, and bedrooms, where their durability and timeless appeal can shine. They add warmth and elegance to these spaces, making them inviting and stylish. However, woods should generally be avoided in rooms with high moisture levels, such as bathrooms and laundry rooms, as they can warp and buckle when exposed to water. Kitchens can be a borderline case, depending on the level of moisture exposure and foot traffic.

Different Types of Tiles

There are many types of tile flooring to choose from that will help you contribute to a healthier planet. Here are a few materials that are trending today: 

• Recycled glass tile flooring: These tiles are made from recycled bottles, jars, and windshield glass. They’re durable, easy to clean, and come in various colors and designs.
• Cork tile flooring: Cork is a renewable material made from the bark of cork oak trees. The bark is harvested every 9–10 years without damaging the tree. It’s a comfortable and insulating material that also absorbs sound.
• Porcelain tile flooring: Porcelain is a dynamic ceramic tile made from clay and other natural materials. It can be recycled and last longer than other types of tile flooring. It also happens to resist scratches, stains, and moisture!

Different Types of Non-Toxic Products

When installing new flooring, remember to consider the grout, sealers, and installation materials you use, as they can contain harmful chemicals that can be detrimental to your health. Look for VOC-free materials made of natural, eco-friendly fibers. Be sure to ask about the installation materials when purchasing new flooring products to ensure you’re making a sustainable choice!

Upgrading your flooring is a fantastic way to increase your home’s longevity, beauty, and value. But it’s important to factor in the environmental impact and toxicity of the products and materials you use when making decisions. By using non-toxic, sustainable, and cruelty-free flooring options, you can keep your home healthy, safe, and eco-friendly. Implement the tips above, and you’ll be well on your way to creating the living space of your dreams without the environmental consequences!